Black culture and Asian culture in America have more in common than either would care to admit, as they have shared similar struggles and history which actually has created more connections than separations between the two. This connection was explored through many of the exploitation movies of the 1970s, the most notable being Enter the Dragon, which featured a very diverse, cast for its period. More recently, this connection was explored in Samuel L. Jackson’s Afro Samurai which harkened back to the great Japanese samurai films with some futurism thrown in there. Now, enters Jean Paul Deshong’s Sons of Fate, which tethers itself to history more intimately than most comics in recent memory.
Within the first book, Origins, Deshong describes it as :”(a) story is set in the Tokugawa period of feudal Japan ,Gen. Daiki Jinjaku is commissioned by the ruling Shogunate to command a small fleet of ships in order to acquire trade routes and charter new passages to foreign lands. But, the mission is a catastrophe, with most of the fleet lost to sea. The lone survivor, Daiki reaches the mainland — however it’s the shores of Africa, a complete land of mystery for him. He meets a young boy named Kamau and together they form a master/apprentice relationship where Daiki realizes his purpose in life is not to serve his country but to teach the ways of honor to others.” The first book more than exceeded expectations, as it proved be more than a coming of age story but also a parable for being the master of your own fate
The story delves into the Japanese period of history, when they start involving themselves with foreigners, and the first time Japanese had ever heard of Africa or dealt with black people, which leads to the arrival of Kamau onto Japanese shores via a slave ship, where he meets Daiki’s son, Omo. He delivers Daiki’s journals, to Omo, who adopts Kamau, and trains him to fight in the ways of Bushido. who is combating a rebel war, against the Shogun, while unbeknownst to him, a colleague is moving against him for personal gain. The climax of the story, when the rebels attacks Omo’s village, where Kamau skills are put to the test in a battle royale. The story ends, very much in the spirit of the ideals presented in the Book of Five Rings, where the honorable man, ultimately prevails.
Overall, this story, reminds me of the first book of Game of Thrones and the original 47 Ronin, in premise alone, but is an excellent installment to this trilogy of the making of a warrior. The story by Deshong, is a gem, as he clearly has a master plan to this odyssey, and provides a strong chapter to this epic. The art by Deshong, remind me of the manga, I read growing up, while bringing a style all his own. Ultimately, an excellent read from start to finish, and much like Empire Strikes Back, makes one yearn for the next episode.
Story: Jean Paul Deshong Art: Jean Paul Deshong
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.7 Overall: 9.8 Recommendation: BUY NOW
Well it is that time again to take a look at something that’s hidden in the rough. The hopeful diamond I bring to your attention today is Sons of Fate lets delve. Writer/artist Jean-Paul Deshong truly has a vision that he has pieced together exceptionally well.
The writing and artistry are a true testament to his talent and overall skills. Right off the bat he throws into the fire with a beautifully drawn fight scene that would captivate in any other medium. As the story goes on it becomes easily apparent that this is not just some action over the top comic but something with depth and emotion. As we learn about the multiple characters and how they personify themselves whether it be a samurai, a father, a son, a wife, or for many merely just lost in a larger world.
This story holds strong but it is necessary to take to account the beautifully done illustration with colors and styling that pulls at the attention. The truly great aspect is how easy it is to become lost in the emotion of the character by simply looking at them. Deshong’s imagination is center stage in this book and it turns out to be a story of epic proportions that should not be missed by anyone who considers themselves to be a fan of comics.
You can check out more of his art at his deviantart page
http://jpdeshong.deviantart.com/
You can also purchase the book available on blackberyjuice.net, kindle, amazon google play, and soon to be others,and at local retail comic stores. CHECK OUT THIS AMAZING BOOK!
